The western desert state has the highest population of Mormon worshippers in the country and, by Prof Hammill’s own rueful admission, is “super conservative”.

The word in question gained international fame after a 2011 storm was dubbed “Hurricane Bawbag” north of the border.

Prof Hammill, an ecologist with a Master of Research degree from St Andrews, said: “I’d wanted it registered as I lived in Glasgow for about five years and I honestly believe the word to be iconic there, it’s a proper part of the culture.

“The fact that the hurricane was named after it only cements its importance.”

“After an examination of the personalised plate application, it has been determined that your request is denied because the plate you requested has been determined to be vulgar, derogatory, profane or obscene.

“The Division may not issue any combination of letters, words or numbers with any connotation that is vulgar, derogatory, profane or obscene pursuant to UCA 41-1a-411-(2) and Administrative rule R873-22M-34 (2) (a).”

Former St Andrews student Prof Hamill thought the number plate would be ‘iconic’ but was thwarted by Utah officials

Commenting on the funny number plate rejection, some social media users were confused what the term “Bawbag” meant.

AltMiddle wrote: “WTF is a bawbag? You do realize Utah is different from most other places in the USA?”

ohmzar replied: “A bawbag is a Scottish colloquialism for a scrotum, baw being an accentualised version of ball and bag being well… bag… See also Bawsack.”

saltireblack commented: “What a bunch o’ bawbags!”

Saltire_Blue said: “Blame Trump, he was called it on US TV and now everyone knows it’s meaning. Absolute Bawbag that he is”

According to Utah laws, the number combination of “69” is also prohibited unless it is used in reference to a “vehicle make, model, style, type, or commonly used or readily understood abbreviations of those terms, for example, ’69 CHEV'”.

Nearly half of Utah, known for its politically conservative views, voted for President Donald Trump in last year’s presidential elections with around 60% of the population following the Mormon religion.

However, other states appear to be more relaxed about the rude Scottish phrase, after earlier this year another Scot abroad had his Bawbag registration number accepted the Lone Star State.

The funny plate was spotted on a £25,000 orange Ford Mustang convertible in Austin, Texas.